“In my view he is one of the greatest champions of all time and it was an honour to play alongside him.

“It's true that recently he wasn't very happy on the field, but the important thing is that he's happy now. Dinho knows what he wants from his career and must follow it.”

Ronaldinho has been replaced in the Milan squad by Cassano, who will officially complete his move from Sampdoria when the transfer window opens, but is already training with his new teammates in Dubai.

“I found him to be in good shape, although he needed a diet,” grinned Ibra. “Cassano is a professional and I doubt we'll get into arguments. We are all working in the same direction.

“A lot depends on what he wants. Cassano couldn't have got into a better situation than this, so if he doesn't want to make the most of it, then he'd make life difficult for himself.”

Ibrahimovic has had a remarkable start to his Milan career and earned comparisons with Marco Van Basten.

“What do we have in common? Nothing, because you cannot compare anyone to a legend. Every player has his own personality and qualities. I certainly would've liked to play alongside him.”

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